Butler Audio TDB 5150 User manual

Brand: Butler Audio

Model: TDB 5150

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

A U D I O, I N C

WWW.BUTLERAUDIO.COM

OWNER'S INFORMATION FOR

MODELS 5150 & 3150

MODULAR DIRECT-COUPLED

VACUUM TUBE DRIVEN

MULTI CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

UTILIZING

T H E R M I O N I Cb

VACUUM TUBE TECHNOLOGY

Concept & Design: B K Butler

Patented in the USA

Worldwide patents pending

"Tube Driver", "Tube Driver Blue", "Thermionic" and Blue Tube illumination appearance / method are

trademarks of or patented by

BK Butler

Contents

Congratulations………..…………………………………… 1

Product Description

Power Output

Protection………………………………………………..…… 2

Use and Operation

Front Panel Power Switch

Rear Panel Remote Jack………………………...…….. 3

Inputs

Speaker Output Binding Posts

Speaker Phasing

Recommended Channel Assignment

Remote Operation….…………………….…….....……… 4

Specifications……….…………………………………..…… 5

Cable Quality

The Marvelous Vacuum Tube………..………………. 6

Tube Reliability……………………………………………….. 7

Warranty & Repair Policy….…………………………… 8

Congratulations

Please accept our sincere thanks and congratulations for making

your musical choice Butler Audio. This new USA-Patented

technology from BK Butler promises to become a classic design,

just as his former efforts have in the professional music and auto

sound industry.

After more than 25 years of tube audio experience in the

Professional Music Industry with some of the world's greatest

musical talents, BK Butler has now created an entirely new class of

home audio and theater amplifier products. With careful emphasis

on the achievement of practical "all tube" response characteristics,

Butler Audio's Tube Driverb BLUE technology satisfies even the

most critical vacuum tube audiophiles.

The Past is the Future™

For the first time in the history of tube amplifier design, the original

"Edison Effect," or the essence of pure Thermionic vacuum tube

emissions have been fully utilized to yield very low THD distortion and

produce "all tube" type musical response characteristics in a multi-

channel home amplifier. With painstaking efforts and great

attention to detail, BK Butler has balanced the sonic response, load

and transfer characteristics of individually selected twin triode

vacuum tubes to operate under optimum conditions in this open-

ended ZERO global negative feedback circuit topology.

Previous hybrid designs employing vacuum tubes generally utilized

tubes only in impedance-isolated preamp or driver stages.

However, Butler places the triodes exactly where they should be:

DC - Coupled through the output power devices to the speakers.

Therefore, the tubes are positioned to naturally and actively

respond to the speaker load. This also completely eliminates one of

the most inefficient and non-musical components in a typical tube

power amplifier: the Output Transformer. Without hundreds of feet

of phase-shifting, musicality-robbing wire and many pounds of

induction-generating core iron to overcome, Butler's newly

patented current-multiplying DC coupling circuitry allows the output

driver tubes to directly operate into the fixed ratio-reduced speaker

output load. This novel design results in the production of authentic

power vacuum tube characteristics hundreds of times greater

than normal capabilities of the driver tubes.

Comparable in concept to precision racecar active power steering,

Butler allows the tubes to "power steer" the audio output signal

directly into your speakers. The result: A superlative marriage of

tube and solid-state technology without the limitations of either.

Literally, you get the reliable, efficient power capability of solid-state

with all the greatly extended dynamics, warmth and musicality of the

highest quality vacuum tube design available today.

Product Description:

Butler Audio Models 5150 is a vacuum tube-driven 5-channel power

amplifier. Each channel Power Module is completely independent

and includes separate RCA input and 5-way speaker output binding

posts, vacuum tube, rectifier & filter capacitors, electronic

components, protection and output power devices, etc. Butler

Audio Model 3150 is identical to all descriptions within this booklet

except that Power Modules 2 and 4 have been removed for a total

of 3 channels. An internal AC Relay is provided for remote operation

from a pre-amp capable of providing a voltage of 8 - 13V DC (either

polarity) via the 3.5mm input jack on the rear panel.

Note: Leave the front panel AC Power switch in the "OFF" (down) position for

remote operation.

Power Output:

Each channel is powered by a separate secondary winding from the

massive 2KW-rated power toroid transformer. This yields a power

rating of 150 Watts, RMS per channel into 8 Ohms, all channels

operating simultaneously. Each channel is also capable of producing

225 Watts, RMS per channel into 4 Ohms. An appropriate source

of 115 -120VAC nominal input line voltage with a minimum current

supply of 15A for the 5150 or 12A for the 3150 is required.

230VAC models require approx. 50% of the current rating of 115-

120V models.

Protection:

Listed below are the various types of internal protection provided

for unexpected conditions:

1) AC input fuse for protection against any major system power

fault. Do not replace with a fuse of higher current rating!

2) Protection against AC input line transient voltage spikes and

surges.

3) Slow vacuum tube filament warm-up: Provides safe, fully

regulated, slow turn-on 6.3VDC for the tube heater filaments.

This technique promotes longest tube life.

4) Turn-on and warm-up transient delay: This circuit will not allow

the speaker relay to close (connect power module output to

speaker posts) for a delay of approximately 20 - 30 sec. after

turn-on. This provides for safe vacuum tube warm-up and

output stabilization.

Note: Due to normal component tolerance differences, some power

modules will click "on" earlier than others.

5) Main DC Power (+/- 65V) Fuses: A red LED will be visible from

the front panel adjacent to the tube of the affected channel if a

fault condition causes a fuse to open.

6) DC Offset Voltage at Speaker Output: Continuous monitoring

circuit immediately opens the speaker relay upon the detection

of any excessive DC voltage level.

7) Short circuit protection: In addition to the Main DC Power

Fuses, mentioned in #5 above, this continuously active circuit

becomes active to the speaker output below a load of approx.

2 ohms. It will prevent a catastrophic over-current condition

for the output devices in the case of a direct short circuit

between the + and - output speaker binding posts.

8) Over Temp Circuit Breaker: Opens the speaker relay if the

heatsink temperature exceeds 115 deg. C. If this occurs, the

amp should automatically begin operate again after the

temperature has decreased sufficiently.

NOTE: BE CERTAIN THAT AIR FLOW IS COMPLETELY UNRESTRICTED

ABOVE AND BELOW THE AMPLIFIER. IF RACKMOUNTED, LEAVE AT

LEAST A STANDARD SINGLE SPACE BETWEEN THE NEXT PIECE OF

EQUIPMENT (TOP AND BOTTOM) OR PROVIDE FORCED AIR COOLING.

THIS AMP IS DESIGNED FOR USE ONLY AT ROOM TEMPERATURE WITH

ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND CIRCULATION.

IMPORTANT: COOL OPERATION = LONGEST LIFE AND RELIABILITY!

DO NOT OPERATE WITHIN A COMPLETELY CLOSED CABINET OR

ENCLOSURE! LET YOUR AMP BREATHE!

Use and Operation:

Important: Do not apply power until you have read and understand this section!

Connect or disconnect cables only with amplifier OFF.

Note: Your new Butler Audio multi-channel amp is designed to operate with ONE separate

speaker system connected per channel. Bridging or combining channels in any manner

should never be attempted. Connect "Speaker Outputs" to speakers only! DO NOT

SHORT ANY SPEAKER OUTPUT POST TERMINAL TO ANY OTHER SPEAKER OUTPUT

POST TERMINAL. CONNECT EACH SEPARATE SPEAKER LOAD ONLY BETWEEN THE

SPEAKER POSTS OF ONE CHANNEL. DO NOT CROSS-CONNECT IN ANY MANNER!

Front Panel Power Switch:

Supplies main AC power to the amplifier. The ON position is up and

will be indicated by the blue LED indicator and the blue glow of the

tubes through the front panel louvers.

Rear Panel Remote Jack:

This 3.5mm standard mini phone jack is connected to a heavy duty

AC relay that parallels the operation of the Front Panel Power

Switch. Therefore if remote operation is desired, leave the switch in

the OFF (down) position. Whenever an 8 - 13V DC voltage is

supplied to the jack (either polarity) the amp will be turned ON just as

if the front power switch were used. It will not harm the amplifier if

the front panel power switch is turned ON with the relay activated,

but this will disable the remote function until it is switched OFF again.

Inputs:

The high-quality gold plated RCA-type input jacks will easily accept

the line-level signal supplied from most pre-amplifiers. The input gain

has been internally preset to equal full (150 Watts) output at 8

ohms for an input sensitivity of 1.5Volts. The input impedance is a

very compliant 47K Ohms which accepts a wide range of signals

without undue loading.

Since these inputs are unbalanced, it's good practice to keep the

shielded connecting audio cables as SHORT as possible. Cable

lengths longer than 10 feet are not recommended and excessive

length cables should never be coiled. Use the proper cable lengths;

the performance and sound quality of this amplifier is worth it!

Speaker Output Binding Posts:

Gold plated heavy duty 5-way binding posts with large custom-

machined gold plated hex drive nuts have been supplied to

accommodate virtually any type of speaker connection. Speaker

wire should be kept as short as possible and away from input cables.

Shielded cables must NEVER be used, as this may cause high

frequency loss and introduces a needless capacitive load to the

amplifier. DO NOT SHORT ANY POST TO ANY OTHER POST!

Speaker Phasing:

Upper post, RED ring, is POSITIVE.

Lower post, BLACK ring, is NEGATIVE.

Correct speaker phasing is essential for optimum operation.

Note: Never short ANY speaker post to ANY other speaker post! Connect 1 separate

speaker load to each channel. DO NOT attempt to Bridge between channels in any way!

Recommended Channel Assignment:

While all channels are identical, for minimum heat generation, please

use the following guide for preferred channel assignment for the

model 5150:

Ch 1: Right Main

Ch 2: Right Surround

Ch 3: Center Front

Ch 4: Left Surround

Ch 5: Left Main

The recommended model 3150 Channel assignment:

Ch 1: Right Main or Right Surround

Ch 3: Center Main or Center Surround

Ch 5: Left Main or Left Surround

Remote Operation:

If remote operation is desired, the 3.5mm mini phone jack is

provided on the rear panel. Connecting cable may be either

shielded or unshielded. Supply voltage should be between 8 and 13

V DC, either polarity, from the preamp or other remote source.

Note: Remember to leave the front panel power switch "OFF" (down) for remote operation

Specifications:

Models TDB-5150 & TDB-3150

Power rating, RMS: 150 Watts per channel, 8 Ohms,

All channels operating simultaneously

225 Watts per channel, 4 Ohms

Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz, +/- 0.5dB

Distortion (THD): Less than 0.10% at 8 Ohms

Less than 0.15% at 4 Ohms

Input Sensitivity 1.5V for 150 Watts into 8 Ohms

S/N ratio: Better than 110dB, "A" Weighted

Slew Rate: 15V / uSec.

Vacuum Tube Complement: One 6SL7GC dual triode per channel

Idling Consumption: Approx. 120Watts

(Approx. 1A @120VAC or

0.5A @ 230VAC)

Full Power AC Consumption:

Model Power (Nominal) Current @120VAC, @230VAC

5150:

@ 8 Ohms

@ 4 Ohms

1,200 Watts

1,800 Watts

10A

15A

3150:

@ 8 Ohms

@ 4 Ohms

800 Watts

1,300 Watts

11A

Dimensions: 17" W x 16" D x 8.5" H (With Feet)

(7" H Without Feet)

Weight

TDB 5150: 48 Lbs. (22 Kgs.)

TDB 3150: 42 Lbs. (19 Kgs.)

Cable Quality:

Within reasonable limits, it has been our experience that you get

what you pay for in cables. A good set of shielded input connection

cables coupled with large gauge, high quality low-loss speaker wire is

well worth the investment. Do not degrade the remarkable

performance of your amplifier with inferior connecting cables.

The Marvelous Vacuum Tube:

Triode Vacuum Tubes were the first method of practical audio

amplification patented in 1907 by Lee De Forest. At first, he used

an open flame to produce thermionic emissions, but later found an

electrically heated filament was much more practical.

The first triodes were inefficient and often very mismatched in

performance. Thankfully we now have reliable sources of precision

manufactured triode tubes, which are very consistent in quality and

performance.

Over the years, BK Butler has experimented with virtually every type

of audio vacuum tube. In 1992 he obtained a large Vacuum Tube

Analyzer formerly used by the FAA to test and analyze radar tubes

for aviation control towers. This old but very high-quality apparatus

enabled him almost unlimited control to adjust and experiment with

virtually every conceivable parameter of any tube. For example,

input and output pins could be reassigned. B+ voltages and bias

currents switched to any desired value or configuration. During

these test, it was noted that a Phantom voltage was being

generated.

It turned out to be nothing less than the original thermionic effect

that one of Edison's assistant technicians (a Mr. Hammer)

discovered in the late 1800's while testing early light bulbs. He

noted a blue glow around the positive pole in a vacuum bulb and a

blackening of the wire and the bulb at the negative pole. At first,

this was referred to as "Hammers Phantom Shadow", but later

Edison took credit for the discovery himself (as was his practice)

and re dubbed it as "Thermionic Emission". More tests followed and

soon the first vacuum tube diode was invented. Limited at first to

rectifying AC into DC, Edison failed to make the one essential step

needed for tubes to achieve useful amplification.

However, around 1906, Lee De Forest vastly improved the

2-electrode vacuum tube diode by adding the crucial element: a

third electrode, or control grid. The rest is history. The successful

invention of the amplifying vacuum tube triode, which could regulate

the thermionic emissions of electrons from heated cathode,

became the foundation for our modern electronics industry.

Without De Forest's great insight and marvelous discovery, you

would probably not be enjoying your new Butler Audio amplifier!

Tube Reliability:

It's interesting to note that until the 1960's, tubes were used in

every area of electronics including aviation. When people flew on a

commercial airliner, they literally trusted their lives on tube-powered

avionics. So, aside from a common-sense warning to take care not

to break the glass, there is very little reason to be concerned about

the 6SL7GC tubes within your amplifier. Without them, the

musicality of your amp would greatly diminish!

Butler's design has reduced the electronic stress on the tubes to

less than 5% of rated value and NO dangerously high voltages are

needed for operation. Therefore, heat production from the tubes is

minimal. BK Butler has been a pioneer in the use of low-voltage

vacuum tubes and time has proven him correct in his long assertion

that correctly employed, vacuum tubes don't need lethal voltages

to be highly musical. (Just ask Eric Johnson - repeatedly voted by

Guitar Player Magazine as the world's best guitarist, Billy Gibbons

of ZZ Top, or Pink Floyd's David Gilmour if BK Butler's low voltage

tube guitar pedals aren't the most reliable and best sounding ever

made!)

What this means to you is that the tubes installed in your new Butler

amplifier should last as long as the other high quality electronic

components in the design. No special tube care, replacement,

matching, biasing or maintenance is usually necessary. In the

unlikely event a tube becomes faulty,* each tube is connected to

the power module via a high-reliability multi-pin connector so

replacement is simplified.

Finally, the most likely reason you invested in your new Butler Audio

amplifier was to enjoy the sonic superiority vacuum tubes create.

Please enjoy this revolutionary design BK Butler worked so long to

produce. We're confident you'll have many trouble-free years of

listening pleasure!

- Everyone at Butler Audio, Inc

*The only external visual check possible by the customer is to look through the front panel

louvers for the 2 glowing orange/red tips at the top of each tube during operation. The

blue illumination should continue, but if a particular channel becomes inoperative and its

tube has no glowing filament tips, that tube is likely defective and should be replaced.

All Butler Audio products are manufactured using the finest parts and materials available.

Butler Audio Tube Driver Blue home audio amplifiers are warrantied against manufacturing

defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) year from the original date of

purchase, if purchased at an authorized Butler Audio retailer. The original purchaser must

complete a Butler Audio Warranty Registration Card including the purchase date and the

authorized Butler Audio Dealer name and address and mail it to Butler Audio Inc.,

Warranty Dept., PO Box 460572, Aurora, CO 80046-0572 within 14 days of purchase.

Otherwise they are covered by a 90-day warranty. This warranty is transferable IF the

secondary purchaser retains the original purchaser's sales receipt.

During the warranty period, Butler Audio will repair or replace (at its sole discretion)

without charge, (pending inspection of the product’s condition) valid defects in material and

workmanship. If an amplifier is determined to be defective within the first 90 days from the

original date of purchase, Butler Audio will replace the defective amplifier with another new

amplifier or with an amplifier we deem to be equivalent (over-the-counter exchange). After

the first 90 days and until the end of the five (5) year warranty period, Butler Audio will

repair or replace the amplifier (with an amplifier we deem to be equivalent) at our sole

discretion. Proof of purchase (slaes receipt) is required for all warranty requests.

This warranty does NOT cover the following :

a) Damage to any of the metalwork (i.e. heatsink, endplates, etc.)

b) Damage caused by abuse, misuse, accident, theft or any act of GOD

c) Damage caused by improper use or installation

d) Any cost or expense related to removal, re-installation or shipping

e) Service performed by anyone other than Butler Audio, Inc

f) Subsequent damage to other components

g) Any amplifier not purchased from an authorized Butler Audio retailer

h) Any amplifier purchased outside the USA. Amplifiers purchased in another country

are covered only by that country’s distributor and not by Butler Audio.

Any removal, alteration or tampering of the serial numbers or tampering with the inside of

the amplifier will result in voiding the warranty.

Butler Audio reserves the right to determine and make final judgment as to the cause(s) of

any defects. Any product determined to be free from defects will be returned, freight

collect.

No person is authorized by Butler Audio to assume any other liability in connection with the

sale of these products.

Return (RMA) Procedures

Product(s) determined to be defective require a Return Merchandise Authorization

number (RMA#) to be issued by Butler Audio prior to return. To receive an RMA#,

completely fill out the Butler Audio RMA form and fax it to the main office. Once received,

an RMA number (RMA#) will be issued and faxed back. Returns will NOT be accepted

without an RMA#. All returns must be packaged in their original box to prevent damage

during shipping and must include a copy of the RMA form. Restocking charges will apply for

any and all missing parts or repackaging materials. No credit invoices will be issued (repair

or exchange only). Please call, email or fax:

Butler AUDIO

Attn: Service Dept.

PO Box 460572 Aurora, CO 80046-0572

Ph: (303) 766-4504 • Fax: (303) 766-5032

Service Information and updates may be found at www.butleraudio.com

Returns must be sent prepaid via UPS/FedEx or similar carrier to facilitate any necessary tracking. The RMA

number issued must be clearly marked on the outside of the shipping box. Butler Audio assumes no responsibility for

damage incurred during shipping. A copy of the completed RMA form showing the assigned RMA#, signed by an

authorized Butler Audio representative and a copy of the original sales receipt must accompany all returns. All

returns are processed in the order they are received. Repaired unit(s) will be returned by the same shipping method

they were received in (i.e. Ground, Next Day Air, Second Day Air, etc.). If expedited return service is required or

requested, please contact your Butler Audio representative for details.

A U D I O, I N C

WWW.BUTLERAUDIO.COM

Butler Audio TDB 5150 User manual

Brand: Butler Audio

Model: TDB 5150

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

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